PlaymoFriends

General => Community Events => Topic started by: Wolf Knight on April 04, 2011, 20:08:03

Title: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: Wolf Knight on April 04, 2011, 20:08:03
Dear Playmofriends!  :wave:

A few days ago Gis had a wonderfull idea of presenting to Heather, who owns and runs playmodb, with a small token of our appreciation as a community, a present if you like!

The idea is to create a printed canvas of a picture involving her avater playing the violin, which Heather herself loves to play as we learned from Indianna, in a Victorian theme background!

Sylvia created this board which is, mind you, is not visible to Heather. Its visible by all of us so we can discuss the details of our little surprise! So what must be done, must be done quickly and in a short time!

Gis will give us more details a little later but for the time being we just wanted to let you know what this board is all about.  :)
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Tiermann on April 04, 2011, 20:22:40
Perhaps we could ask Karim for a background image? I don't know if he would be able to reproduce her avatar but we could do some digital compositing and put the avatar image over the top of the setting.
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Wolf Knight on April 04, 2011, 20:24:05
That is a brilliant idea Tim! Gis is preparing something but I'm not sure what yet, so maybe we can combine your idea and his!
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Luis on April 04, 2011, 20:25:02
i like the idea! that is the least we can do for her as a sign of appreciation

is there a particular reason why we'd print that picture on a canvas?

how elaborated does the picture have to be?

i volunteer to take the picture (i can reproduce her avatar), unless someone else has another idea or has prepared something else for her in advance
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: cowabounga on April 04, 2011, 20:26:01
Is the board also closed to visitors? (for safety)
Don't know how I can help but if you guys need a special design, ring me!
A.
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Wolf Knight on April 04, 2011, 20:41:32
Is the board also closed to visitors? (for safety)

Yes it is!
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: tonguello on April 04, 2011, 21:17:44
nice idea. I thik I have all the pieces.....  :hmm:
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: playmofire on April 04, 2011, 21:44:20
This is an excellent idea and has my support (even though my technical skills are useless!).
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Gis on April 04, 2011, 21:51:57
is there a particular reason why we'd print that picture on a canvas?

I want it to be something lasting, when it is printed on a canvas or a framed picture then it is something special IMO. I really like the modern day printing on Canvas so thats why I proposed that. It could be something else. We are open for suggestions but we should really not make this into an month long discussion group.

My idea was two fold actually (came up with the second part today).

We design two things:

A card
A Picture for a canvas

The card is A4 size, and is basically your standard hallmark "thank you" card text wise but of course with a nice custom playmo picture on the front and inside featuring the Playmofriends logo. We can all write a one liner and sign it and send it to someone who gathers all this. The card is printed and all the personal notes are pasted into this.

The Picture, should be a scene similar to the welcome screen from playmodb but my idea would be to do it in a victorian room. Also Heather's avatar should be playing the violin and maybe a stand with some sheet music as well. Then we somehow put "the card" in the picture as well, either through photoshop or by prinitng a miniature version.

What do you all think? I won't have access to my PM for the next two weeks roughly so maybe someone else can make the picture for the Canvas? If we go aheaqd with the Card idea as well we need someone to tackle that project as well.

Heather is from Canada, Correct? Any Canadians able to produce this around?

-Gis  
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: bonniebeth on April 04, 2011, 21:57:00
Fantastic ideas, Gis! I really like the card idea! So... do you mean we would all physically mail our lines with signatures to the person collecting them so that they have our handwriting and all? Or did you mean send them electronically?

BTW, I agree with having it printed on canvas. I think that makes it really special!

-----EDIT------

and the person who makes the pic doesn't have to be the one to have it printed. Whoever makes it can send a high-quality version to someone in Canada (?) to have it printed.
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Gis on April 04, 2011, 22:24:11
Maybe the easiest would be to send jpg's. So you could scan a bit of your own writing or write some text in paint and safe it as JPG. Then the person collecting will just have to print them off and arrange them (or the other way around if they are more digitally inclined.

hmm we'll first need to find out if she actually lives in Canada and then havesome one willing to do the production work
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: bonniebeth on April 04, 2011, 22:26:28
Well, her profile does say she lives in Canada. So now we just need to figure out who else does.
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Gis on April 04, 2011, 22:28:00
Wesley Meyers, Ds Dad, Blue Wizard

Are on top of my mind!

(and WoT is born there of course)
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: skypurr on April 04, 2011, 22:46:57
That is a lovely idea. 
I make cards so if I can be of any help either in the making of or providing materials for making a card please let me know. however next week is my produce fair week so either before or after then would be best for me if you need my help with this.

Elaine (http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/mgqueen.gif)
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Gustavo on April 05, 2011, 00:22:34
I haven't read it all, but I like the idea! :)
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Tiermann on April 05, 2011, 01:06:24
Heather lives in Nova Scotia in Canada.
Irnm2001 - Nick from LG and the pilot group - lives in Canada as well and I think he would probably be happy to help if we need someone there. If we don't end up with a Canadian volunteer I can mail him.
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: WarriorOfToys on April 05, 2011, 04:00:28
...
(and WoT is born there of course)

For a moment I thought you were talking about PlaymoDB! :lol:
Which wouldn't be entirely false seeing as my collection as I know it now is basically all thanks to Heather! :wow:

I think this is a magnificent idea!!!
She really deserves it. :)
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: bonniebeth on April 05, 2011, 04:03:01
For a moment I thought you were talking about PlaymoDB! :lol:


 :lol: :lol: :lol:
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Indianna on April 05, 2011, 13:03:44
Hi everybody!  What fun - a super-secret board to plan a surpise for Heather - this is awesome!  One word of caution, though, when I told Bonnie what (little) I know about Heather, I said that I think she plays the violin - we might want to get some independent confirmation on that just to be sure.   ???
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Indianna on April 05, 2011, 13:09:50
Heather has a Twitter account (http://twitter.com/hpatey (http://twitter.com/hpatey)) so anyone who has the time might be able to go through her tweets for more info about her interests.  Also, there are some folks at Laughing Giraffe (and elsewhere, I am sure!) who also have very high regard for her - I don't know if you want to take this effort beyond PF, though.
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: bonniebeth on April 05, 2011, 13:11:04
Oh, that may help a lot! Thanks, Anne.
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: bonniebeth on April 05, 2011, 13:14:05
Just a very quick glance at her twitter account confirms that she plays violin and music is definitely her biggest passion!
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Wolf Knight on April 05, 2011, 13:46:47
So we are on the right track!!!  :)9
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Gis on April 05, 2011, 14:05:11
YAY!! (for being on the right track)

Luis, tonguello you both said you would like to make the little diorama and take a picture. Are either of you still up for that? (I gave a more thorough description of my idea in a previous post, of course it is just an idea and suggestions are more then welcome)

Skypurr, you said you have a lot of experience in making cards, is that RL cards or digital cards as well?
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: tonguello on April 05, 2011, 14:38:37
YAY!! (for being on the right track)

Luis, tonguello you both said you would like to make the little diorama and take a picture. Are either of you still up for that? (I gave a more thorough description of my idea in a previous post, of course it is just an idea and suggestions are more then welcome)

Skypurr, you said you have a lot of experience in making cards, is that RL cards or digital cards as well?


Yeah I said I could but I have to check tonihgt if I have the yellow shawl  :(
And I do not have the light blue clothed table...would we need that too?
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Gis on April 05, 2011, 15:14:29
Yeah I said I could but I have to check tonihgt if I have the yellow shawl  :(
And I do not have the light blue clothed table...would we need that too?

I don't think the table is a must personally, it was just a nice starting point to have something to hold on to.

Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Luis on April 05, 2011, 15:16:15

Luis, tonguello you both said you would like to make the little diorama and take a picture. Are either of you still up for that? (I gave a more thorough description of my idea in a previous post, of course it is just an idea and suggestions are more then welcome)



Gis, I have everything from the playmobdb welcome picture to recreate this postcard and already have an idea of what it'd look like (also have a violin)
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: tonguello on April 05, 2011, 15:17:28
Gis, I have everything from the playmobdb welcome picture to recreate this postcard and already have an idea of what it'd look like (also have a violin)


great!  :)9

Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Gis on April 05, 2011, 15:19:03
Gis, I have everything from the playmobdb welcome picture to recreate this postcard and already have an idea of what it'd look like (also have a violin)

Great stuff Luis!! The idea is that you will be making the picture that will actually go on the canvas.

I am still looking for someone who is good with photoshop to make the card that we will send with the canvas!
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Luis on April 05, 2011, 15:29:42
Great stuff Luis!! The idea is that you will be making the picture that will actually go on the canvas.

what does it exactly mean? I was thinking of her playing the violin and her DB accesories on the back and the setting should be small victorian garden or room - not sure if the details are going to be visible once printed ?

or should it just be just her playing the violin with her db accesories and a white background? (i thought i should double check on this b/c the importance of the victorian setting was mentioned in previous posts)

once i take the picture i will gladly email it to whomever volunteers to print and ship it to her - maybe approval of picture should be given to me by posting it here to get feedback from you all? - i can always take more than 1 picture (alternate angles, etc) but you all might to take into consideration that 'voting' for more than 1 photo could take us longer
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: bonniebeth on April 05, 2011, 15:37:21
Voting would take some time, but we could make it short, having the poll just run for two or three days, since we are trying to hurry. I think it would be good to have a couple of different takes to choose from.

I definitely like the idea of there being a nice background setting, a garden or a room, rather than just a white background.

Gis, what size print do you have in mind? Because that makes a difference as to the amount of detail.
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Luis on April 05, 2011, 15:43:52
ok I'll take alternate pictures and will try to have them ready tomorrow in the afternoon at the latest (US time)

i like the idea of a short term voting

Gis, what size print do you have in mind? Because that makes a difference as to the amount of detail.

thanks for asking, i need to know this too :yup:
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: tonguello on April 05, 2011, 15:52:11
I think voting would take too long. I think you should post them and we comment on them unill we all come to an agreement.

I suggest you make a couple of layouts (I mean ruff quick set ups) to show the idea, and we can work with that. Then you take the real pic when we agreed on how it would look. What do you think? Too complicated? I like complicated!  :lol:
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: bonniebeth on April 05, 2011, 15:57:53
I think a two-day poll would take less time than so many people trying to talk out an agreement in a disorganized way. IMHO.
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: skypurr on April 05, 2011, 16:13:08
YAY!! (for being on the right track)
Skypurr, you said you have a lot of experience in making cards, is that RL cards or digital cards as well?


Not digital cards, just straightforward cards using card, papercrafts or photographs, embellishments etc. so not sure if this is what you want.

Elaine (http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/mgqueen.gif)
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Tiermann on April 05, 2011, 18:33:42
I would be happy to do any photoshop work that needs doing.
If we get a lot of people signing it we could add an insert page with additional signatures.
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Playmoholics on April 05, 2011, 22:55:57
I think it is a really sweet idea. How many of use use the database on a daily basis  :)
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Gis on April 05, 2011, 23:49:38
I would be happy to do any photoshop work that needs doing.
If we get a lot of people signing it we could add an insert page with additional signatures.

OK Tim, That would be great.

Could you "shop" a nice card for us with the PF logo somewhere included?

Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: playmovictorian on April 06, 2011, 01:32:59
That is a lovely idea indeed  :love:

If you need a victorian background, just let me know and I will do my best  ;)

Karim :)
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Giorginetto on April 06, 2011, 09:37:04
I just read this thread and count me in  ;)

Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Luis on April 06, 2011, 15:39:23
ok I have the picture, which I'll post later today - I don't think it'd need major photoshop job, perhaps just scripting like Gis suggested
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: bonniebeth on April 06, 2011, 15:40:43
Cool! Can't wait to see. :)
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Tiermann on April 06, 2011, 16:19:49
I can certainly work something up.
How do we want the cover? The Playmofriends logo? Use the image or part of the image from the artwork?
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Luis on April 06, 2011, 17:04:48
I would suggest the logo and a 'Thank you' note above it on a side of the picture, but still very visible

i think i'll make myself understood better when i post the pic
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Luis on April 06, 2011, 19:12:19
ok here's my first suggested picture

some important notes:

- This had to be a small setting, as in a big victorian diorama Heather's avatar wouldn't be the center of attention and we probably wouldn't even be able to see her
- Heather's avatar inside a room just herself gives a sense of solitude rather than happiness (imo). A garden-only scene would make the picture loose that victorian touch, so I drew inspiration from the current wedding pavilion set...then she's inside and outside at the same time and a 'thank you' note can be put where the sky is.
- I was thinking of another scene in a sunset / night but the screen i was going to use in the background (to get a realistic effect) didn't work during the day time. Can try one more time at night if you don't like this pic.
- I forgot to double check all the accesories that appear on playmodb's welcome picture :wall: Should it take the photo again? :-\
- I added different types of flower bunches symbolizing our signs of appreciation  :)

Feedback please

(http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/8906/forheathera.png) (http://img402.imageshack.us/i/forheathera.png/)


Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: bonniebeth on April 06, 2011, 19:16:46
Ooh, I like it! I think all the flowers are great; it's like she is playing before an audience and they have thrown down flowers. And the cat, bird and, butterfly add interest and life to the scene. She is beautifully posed. I think it's very good.
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Sylvia on April 06, 2011, 20:06:55

Lovely photo, Luis! :love:
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Gis on April 06, 2011, 22:26:21
This is a perfect picture Luis :-)

My idea is to make it 40x40 cm (16"x16") which is a nice size but not IN YOUR FACE!

Tim for the card I would say the Playmofriends logo and "Thank you" and maybe Playmodb somewhere...Something that could be sold as a Hallmark card, you get the idea.

My idea was that the card would be minitiaturizes, printed and put it in the cupboard so it is part of the scene. What do you think?
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Luis on April 06, 2011, 22:43:49
thanks for the feedback :)

Gis, the original size of the picture is 2.37 MB (i reduced it to 25% from its original size to post it here). I can send it to you or Tim if necessary

And the cat, bird and, butterfly add interest and life to the scene.

you missed the red bird and the dove on the roof ;D
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: bonniebeth on April 06, 2011, 22:48:58
 :lol: You're right! :)9
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Gis on April 06, 2011, 22:54:56
thanks for the feedback :)

Gis, the original size of the picture is 2.37 MB (i reduced it to 25% from its original size to post it here). I can send it to you or Tim if necessary

you missed the red bird and the dove on the roof ;D

Hopefully you still have it set up, so (if you all like the idea) can add the miniature card when Tim has made the bigger card.

This new picture should be sent to someone in Canada who can then take it to a local printer and send it off.

Hmm we do need Heather's Address somehow. any ideas?

Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Tiermann on April 06, 2011, 23:13:42
We can photoshop in the miniature card too if necessary. I will put something together and post soon.
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: tonguello on April 06, 2011, 23:40:58
i like the idea of the minuature card in the scene, hope Luis can re-shoot it again later  :)
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Luis on April 07, 2011, 00:46:43
Gis, do you mean you want a mini card in the picture of the scene I took?

that'd imply me re-shooting the scene, which i already took off

i can set it all up again but i'm confused as I don't know how to make/print a mini card - the idea is cute but i don't know where this little card could go in the scene? :) (Heather's hands are busy with the violin and the table looks a little far from the camera)

it'd be great if Tim can photo shop the miniature card in - Tim let me know?
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: bonniebeth on April 07, 2011, 00:50:24
I think he meant photoshop it in.
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Luis on April 07, 2011, 01:00:33
I think he meant photoshop it in.

ah ooh ;D
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: tonguello on April 07, 2011, 01:26:43
I think he meant print a miniature and put it in the set up, and re shoot.
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: playmovictorian on April 07, 2011, 02:43:48
That is a lovely picture  :love:
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Wolf Knight on April 07, 2011, 05:57:17
Lovely picture Luis!! Very well done!!!!
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Giorginetto on April 07, 2011, 06:49:43
Really nice picture !!!!!
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Gis on April 07, 2011, 09:22:49
My idea was to print it and put it in the cupboard, that way it would be there just not in your face. If Tim is able to photoshop it in without it looking to much "photoshopped" that owuld be great.

*wink* No pressure Tim!!



Gis, do you mean you want a mini card in the picture of the scene I took?

that'd imply me re-shooting the scene, which i already took off

i can set it all up again but i'm confused as I don't know how to make/print a mini card - the idea is cute but i don't know where this little card could go in the scene? :) (Heather's hands are busy with the violin and the table looks a little far from the camera)

it'd be great if Tim can photo shop the miniature card in - Tim let me know?
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Indianna on April 07, 2011, 13:32:12
That is a lovely photo, Luis - well done!    :love:
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: skypurr on April 07, 2011, 14:25:25
Great photo Luis  :clap:
I do like the setting.

Elaine (http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/mgqueen.gif)
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Luis on April 07, 2011, 15:01:57
Thanks for the compliments everyone :)

ok Gis, if Tim's editing looks very 'photoshopped' i will gladly retake the picture
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Tiermann on April 07, 2011, 15:21:16
Here is a first draft of the card front.

(http://animobil.info/playmo/thankyou-pf-card.png)

i probably wouldn't use the blue edge for the final but it makes it easier to see on the forum. This has been resized smaller, the original is 5x7, a typical size for a photo card.
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Wolf Knight on April 07, 2011, 15:45:38
Tim this is brilliant!!!  :wow: :wow: :wow: Thank you for this work!!!
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Luis on April 07, 2011, 15:58:30
very pretty Tim

is this the one you'll try to photoshop in the picture i took?

looks great, i like the idea of using different languages
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Tiermann on April 07, 2011, 20:23:24
Yes if it looks like that is the one we will be using. There would be adjustments made, after getting it to the right size a perspective tool could be used to make it look at a slight angle and another bit added on so that it looks like it is open. It may be necessary to add a little shadowing as well depending on where it ends up.
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Luis on April 07, 2011, 20:30:03
It may be necessary to add a little shadowing as well depending on where it ends up.

yeah, matching colors will add realism to it
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: playmofire on April 07, 2011, 20:30:23
The photo and card are just the thing!  Thanks Luis and Tim.
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Lindama on April 07, 2011, 22:36:35
Both wonderful Luis and Tim  :love:
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Giorginetto on April 08, 2011, 10:13:24
 :wow: :wow: :wow: :wow: :wow:

Excellent card design!! :love: :love: :love:
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Vauban on April 09, 2011, 18:32:38
Picture and card look great! Good work!

Greetings

Vauban
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Tiermann on April 09, 2011, 19:26:00
Luis, could you send me the full size of the picture please?
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Luis on April 09, 2011, 20:26:26
i just did :)
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Tiermann on April 10, 2011, 18:04:52
Here's a reduced size version with the card in it. 

(http://animobil.info/playmo/heather-copy-sm.jpg)

the full size is located at http://animobil.info/playmo/heather%20copy.jpg (http://animobil.info/playmo/heather%20copy.jpg)
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: playmofire on April 10, 2011, 19:20:43
That looks just the job, Tim.
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Andy R on April 10, 2011, 19:55:10
Ok ok, so ¿now what do you want us to do?
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: bonniebeth on April 10, 2011, 20:14:45
That looks great, Tim!
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: skypurr on April 10, 2011, 21:39:25
That is really good Tim  :clap:

Elaine (http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/mgqueen.gif)
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Luis on April 10, 2011, 21:48:02
It looks good to me! :D

great job Tim :)9
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: WarriorOfToys on April 10, 2011, 23:30:05
It is good, but you cannot read what the card says... ???
Will we be able to when it is full sized?
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: bonniebeth on April 10, 2011, 23:30:58
Should be able to, yeah.
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Emma.J on April 10, 2011, 23:37:30
Just read this thread, well done to everyone for a brillant idea and some great work :clap:
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Luis on April 12, 2011, 16:16:46
er...so what's next? :uhoh: :)
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: bonniebeth on April 12, 2011, 16:39:31
Good question. I think what we need is to find if there is someone in Canada who is willing to have the picture printed on canvas and take care of shipping, then we can figure out details working through that person.
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: tonguello on April 12, 2011, 17:21:04
don't we have to sign the card??  :hmm:
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: bonniebeth on April 12, 2011, 17:25:45
Yeah... who's going to take care of compiling the signatures? We need to know who to send them to and how.
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Luis on April 12, 2011, 18:33:32
won't that take forever? ???
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: bonniebeth on April 12, 2011, 18:38:35
Well, we aren't (i don't think) talking actual signatures. I think we mean a short message from each person, like:

Thank you for all your hard work! It is much appreciated!
-bonniebeth

These could just be PMed to the person compiling them to be printed out on the card. Sending actual handwritten messages with signatures could be a safety issue anyway.
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Knight Train on April 12, 2011, 19:50:27
maybe you could make a collage of avatars.
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: bonniebeth on April 12, 2011, 19:51:52
That's a good idea!
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Wolf Knight on April 12, 2011, 19:55:15
maybe you could make a collage of avatars.


it may take a lot of space on the card but I think its the best solution!
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Luis on April 12, 2011, 20:01:43
yeah i like the idea too! maybe a frame of avatars around the card (back side?) with signatures/notes from each of us? just an idea
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: tonguello on April 12, 2011, 20:02:01
maybe just our screen names, like the different languages THANKS but in a different color.
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Wolf Knight on April 12, 2011, 20:02:45
maybe just our screen names, like the different languages THANKS but in a different color.

Even simpler and nicer!!!
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Luis on April 12, 2011, 20:06:45
Even simpler and nicer!!!

ditto :)
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: playmofire on April 12, 2011, 20:17:59
Both good ideas, but space is limited so maybe the names.
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Giorginetto on April 13, 2011, 08:30:19
Just the forum names i think is a great idea  :)
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: WarriorOfToys on April 13, 2011, 12:46:32
Both good ideas, but space is limited so maybe the names.

I second that.
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: socrates on April 13, 2011, 13:48:24
How could I miss this thread!  :-\

Great ideas everyone! Love the setup and the photoshopped card!  :love:

I am all in! I also like the idea of giving it a personal note.
What about a handwritten note on white paper from everyone.
Digitally photographed, emailed and once again photoshopped to a nice collage?
Could become a one page fan-poster, attached at the wall in the picture and send to her as a nicely-printed version? :)

best,
socrates
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Giorginetto on April 13, 2011, 13:51:49
I also like the idea of giving it a personal note.
What about a handwritten note on white paper from everyone.
I like this idea a lot  but i think its best we keep it simple and have our forum names at the back,


Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: socrates on April 13, 2011, 14:28:10
I like this idea a lot  but that makes it all much more complicated and it will probably take ages to compelete , i think its best we keep it simple and have our forum names at the back, after all its the gesture that counts the most rather than the present itself .... ;) ;) ;) ;)

You missed the important part:

...Digitally photographed, emailed and once again photoshopped to a nice collage?

so everybody can contribute something personal and it wouldn't take long.
put a note on paper, photograph it and send it to someone in charge.
doesn't sound to me like it would take "ages"...   ???
But I agree, it would make things more complicated. It was just an idea. :)

best,
socrates
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: playmofire on April 13, 2011, 21:36:40

What about a handwritten note on white paper from everyone.
Digitally photographed, emailed and once again photoshopped to a nice collage?
Could become a one page fan-poster, attached at the wall in the picture and send to her as a nicely-printed version? :)

best,
socrates


Good ideas, Socrates, both the concept and the means of delivery.  The downside is, have you seen my handwriting?    :(
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: CookieMomster4 on April 22, 2011, 23:34:35
I only just joined and don't know any of you, but I noticed this topic and wanted to let you know that if she lives (or if one of you live) near one of the Canadian Costcos (there are a FEW)  they do BEAUTIFUL printing of photos on canvas for a very reasonable price. 
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: bonniebeth on April 22, 2011, 23:37:51
Oh, that's very helpful to know! Thank you!
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: cowabounga on April 28, 2011, 12:04:05
How many people are we? Just those who joined this thread, I reckon. I'll Check if I can copy everybody's avatar and will take care of the printing and shipping from now on if nobody else volunteers. Who has the file for the pic? Is it Luis?
Arnaud.
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Giorginetto on April 28, 2011, 12:28:47
Cowabunga I am happy that you take it to the next level. Heather deserves this to say the least and we shoulnt delay this any more .... :) :) :) :)
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: Wolf Knight on April 28, 2011, 14:02:03
Arnaud that would be great!! Thank you for taking the initiative!
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather
Post by: kaethe on April 28, 2011, 15:31:29
Please include me, I have been silent in this thread, merely as I had nothing significant to add.
kaethe
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: cowabounga on April 29, 2011, 08:09:31
OK, the main problem remains: how can we know exactly who's in?
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: Gis on April 29, 2011, 09:09:24
OK people lets consolidate everything:

1) Design for Canvas made! (Luis)
2) Design for Card made! (Tim)

Still needed:

3) Make actual Canvas
4) Make actual Card
5) Write greeting inside Card
6) Send Canvas and Card
7) Collect Money (Arnaud)
8) Make sure cost for production and shipping is covered send access money to Heather for ensuring Playmodb keeps running (Arnaud)

Please let me know if I forgot a step.

I have responses from some of our Canadian friends with whom I will be working on 3, 4, 6.

We need to come up with the right text for the inside of the card to make sure that noone feels left out. Maybe We should just do it as a big thank you from the Forum (with Sylvia's approval) that way nobody feels left out.
Just double checking, Arnaud you are fine with handluing point 7 and 8?

I hope to get a cost estimate of production and shipping soon so we can start working on an expected amount :-)

Well let you guys know when I have more info!

Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: Playmoholics on May 02, 2011, 14:02:54
I would like to do something as well. What can I do?
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: Gis on May 16, 2011, 18:55:24
Guys I have found a site that will take care of everything now what I need is:

The highress image of the Canvas
The highress image of the Card (and dimensions)
The exact text to be put in the card.

Once I have that I will get it printed and shipped and will deal with Arnaud later!!

Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: Tiermann on May 17, 2011, 02:34:29
Image files sent to Gis  :)
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: Wolf Knight on May 27, 2011, 18:37:01
Thank you for the update Arnaud!
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: bonniebeth on June 12, 2011, 23:53:59
Guys I have found a site that will take care of everything now what I need is:

The highress image of the Canvas
The highress image of the Card (and dimensions)
The exact text to be put in the card.

Once I have that I will get it printed and shipped and will deal with Arnaud later!!



Have you gotten what you need on this, Gis? Do we need to discuss the text of the card or is that done?
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: cowabounga on June 30, 2011, 21:05:05
Hey everyone.
Well, eventually, I end up in charge of ordering the canvas and card. Since the money's on my Paypal account, it seemed the simplest way. I'm waiting for the invoice from a Canadian site for both; but I guess we now have really enough money to pay for those AND make a fair donation to PlaymoDB.
I wanted your opinions on the size of the canvas. I pre-ordered a 12"X16" canvas. For those who are more familiar with the metric system (like me!) it's 30,48X40,64 cm. I think this is big enough, but we can afford a bigger one. So far the price is [....] plus a small extra for the card and shipping around [....]
The card will be 5"X7", it cannot be bigger due to the image definition (at 72 dpi, for those who know what this means); i.e. if it's bigger the dots will show on the image. Not good.
The site I'm using was provided by Gis, and will ship the presents directly to Heather from Canada. Hence, we save a lot on shipping. I will make a list of all the people who joined this thread and send it to Heather, but will post it here before for your approval. Check I didn't forget any names, and if for any reason someone wouldn't want to be on the list, please PM me. There will be no difference in the list I'll send Heather between people who donated and people who didn't.
If you agree/disagree with any of this, please feel free to post your comments below.
Cheers,
Arnaud
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: tonguello on July 01, 2011, 01:04:02
 the bigger the better.  :)
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: Indianna on July 01, 2011, 03:48:43
This all sounds great, Arnaud - thank you very much for bringing this project across the finish line!   :-*

My feeling about the size of the canvas is this:  if the smaller size will give a better quality picture then that would be my preference.  If not, then I have no preference as to size except to say that the more money we have left over, the more we have to donate to Playmodb's operating costs.   :)
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: cowabounga on July 01, 2011, 08:09:36
OK. So that's three opinions, thanks Gaston, Bonnie and Anna. Who's next? I'll ask Sylvia if she can make this thread sticky so I don't have to post a message everytime I want it to appear in the latest posts page...
A.
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: socrates on July 01, 2011, 08:22:43
I'd vote for the 12"X16" canvas. It should not be too big and I like the fact that we would make a bigger donation instead! :)

Oh, and thanks for all the efforts in making this possible!  :)

best,
socrates


Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: Giorginetto on July 01, 2011, 09:56:08
Well done Arnaud for making this inititive happen. Pleae PM me if anything is needed from me .  :wave: :wave: :wave:
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: playmofire on July 01, 2011, 11:23:36
Thank you, Arnaud, for all your work on this.

Likde Socrates, I would say the 12 x 16 cnavas.
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: bonniebeth on July 01, 2011, 12:37:08
I think so too. We don't want to give her something so big she can't find a place to put it. :P And then we coukd make more of a donation to db.
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: Wolf Knight on July 01, 2011, 12:40:01
12x16!!!
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: Giorginetto on July 01, 2011, 13:03:03
12x16  ;)
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: Tiermann on July 01, 2011, 19:40:11
12 x 16
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: skypurr on July 01, 2011, 19:45:23
I agree 12 x 16 is a much better size to display

Elaine (http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/mgqueen.gif)
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: Luis on July 03, 2011, 21:06:26
agree on size :)
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: Vauban on July 10, 2011, 17:22:25
12 x 16

Greetings

Vauban
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: cowabounga on July 10, 2011, 18:01:14
A Quick update. There's a 2-3 weeks delay for fabrication. I'm still waiting for the onvoice…
A.
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: Luis on July 10, 2011, 21:51:07
A Quick update. There's a 2-3 weeks delay for fabrication. I'm still waiting for the onvoice…
A.

i had no idea it would take so long to get made 8}
anyway, thank you so much for your work and update! :)
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: Giorginetto on August 03, 2011, 10:48:28
hello all !!! any news yet ..??  :) :) :)
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: cowabounga on August 03, 2011, 10:55:57
Still no news from the Canadian site. I'm thinking of having the  and card printed here and send them overseas. At least I know ot works on my end, I had three posters of my children made for my practice last year. I'm wondering about how to protect the canvas during transport.
Best,
Arnaud
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: playmogal on August 03, 2011, 12:12:48
12 x 16 sounds plenty big. We have a huge oil painting of us tacked by our front door because we have no place to hang it!!!! A gift from our son's inlaws in China, and not a bad painting....but WAY TOO BIG!!!! We are thinking about cutting it down...major time, but don't want to hurt their feelings!!!! We need a castle...real size...to display this painting once we figure out how to pay for a custom frame that LARGE!!!

Thanks so much for all of your kind work. I use PlaymoDB every day and want to help out.
Cheers, Pgal
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: Gis on August 09, 2011, 15:58:43
Arnaud, I think there was a telephone number on their website, have you tried calling them?
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: cowabounga on August 24, 2011, 11:42:08
Update!
No. I haven't run away with the money!  ;D
Actually I have just ordered the canvas and the card from a French site. Here is the list of names that show on the second fold of the card:
Gis, bonniebeth, skypurr, Gustavo, WarriorOfToys, Indianna, playmoholics, playmovictorian, Andy R, Giorginetto, Sylvia, Lindama, Vauban, Emma.J, clong,
Knight Train, socrates, CookieMomster4, Luis, Tonguello, kaethe, Pgal, Playmofool, WaltTrains, Dsdad, playmofire, WolfKnight, Tiermann, Grangel, Cowabounga.


If I missed anyone, sorry about that, I checked the whole thread twice. I can still add the missing names by hand when I get the card.
I will send the arts from France since I never had any news from the Canadian site.
Best,
Arnaud
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: playmogal on August 24, 2011, 12:28:26
Arnaud, Thanks for the update and for all the work you have done. Wow! Pgal :wave:
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: cowabounga on August 24, 2011, 15:20:37
OK, so it appears I mixed Basilsdad and Dsdad, sorry about that Joe! I hope this is my only mistake, but, I had to order six thank you cards (they wouldn't print just one!) so I have plenty of opportunities to make amends and send the right card in the end!
Thanks Pgal for your kind words.  :)
Best,
Arnaud
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: Wolf Knight on August 24, 2011, 15:45:51
Thank you for all your hard work in this Arnaud!!!
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: WarriorOfToys on August 24, 2011, 18:56:51
Thank you for all your hard work in this Arnaud!!!

Ditto! :wow:
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: bonniebeth on August 25, 2011, 00:24:32
Yes thank you so much for taking the initiative, Arnaud! And btw, we would never accuse you of taking the money and running! ;)
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: Giorginetto on August 26, 2011, 08:06:32
Well done Arnaud for making this idea happen really !!  :wave: :wave: :wave: :wave: :wave:
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: playmofire on August 26, 2011, 08:14:07
Thank you, Arnaud for a job well done.   :wave:
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: cowabounga on August 26, 2011, 13:16:09
Thanks all!
I got the cards this morning. Unfortunately, the guys at the French site weren't clever enough to send the cards and the canvas together, so I'll probably get the canvas on monday...
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: cowabounga on September 08, 2011, 19:42:36
Yes!


(http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx266/cowabounga/Snapbucket/E3212B47.jpg)


Next sunday, I'm buying two square planks and some struts to protect the canvas, then bubble wrap, and...to Canada!
Maybe it's abit early to talk about the future, but, do you reckon Heather should be allowed to read this secret thread afterwards?
Best,
Arnaud
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: bonniebeth on September 08, 2011, 19:48:23
Yeah, I was wondering the same thing... she might get a laugh out of it!
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: WarriorOfToys on September 08, 2011, 20:59:50
Aw! Amazing! :wow:
She really deserves this,
and it looks magnificent. :)9
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: bonniebeth on September 08, 2011, 21:02:02
Yes, I forgot to say, it looks really great! The colors are quite sharp!
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: cowabounga on September 08, 2011, 21:15:23
Yes, I forgot to say, it looks really great! The colors are quite sharp!

That's thanks to Luis' excellent work! There's a plastic wrap I didn't remove, hence the light reflecting at the bottom left.
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 08, 2011, 21:21:51
Excellent!!!!  ;D
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: Luis on September 08, 2011, 23:11:51
i've been busy and was unaware of the latest updates

good to know the canvas is finally ready, we all appreciate your efforts and dedication :wave:
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: playmogal on September 09, 2011, 01:10:39
Wow! This is beautiful! Way to go guys, Pgal :wave:
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: Ace on September 09, 2011, 01:56:01
I've haven't commented in the thread until now, but that just looks magnificent  :o! After creating someting as useful and great as PlaymoDB, she really deserves this!
Ace :brownhair:
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: cowabounga on September 12, 2011, 19:36:53
Packet shipped this evening. Heather should get it within a week.
 ;D
Best,
Arnaud
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: Luis on September 12, 2011, 19:51:04
those are great news!  :yippee: thanks for letting us know, Arnaud :D
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 12, 2011, 20:01:45
This is great news!! Thank you so much for taking up this task Arnaud!!! and congratulations!!
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: Giorginetto on September 12, 2011, 20:08:11
Well done sire !  :wave:
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: bonniebeth on September 12, 2011, 20:16:37
A job well done, Arnaud! Thanks for taking it on. :)
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: basilsdad on September 13, 2011, 00:35:25
A job well done, Arnaud! Thanks for taking it on. :)
Amen!
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: WarriorOfToys on September 13, 2011, 14:21:50
Well done Arnaud! :D

I have one question though...
How will Heather know what this is all about? 8}
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: cowabounga on September 13, 2011, 16:27:22
I have one question though...
How will Heather know what this is all about? 8}

I left an axplanation note on the back of the thank you card... clever, ain't I? :lol: :lol: :lol:
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: Vauban on September 13, 2011, 18:53:10
That looks great! Well done, Arnaud!

Greetings

Vauban
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: WarriorOfToys on September 13, 2011, 19:34:26
I left an axplanation note on the back of the thank you card... clever, ain't I? :lol: :lol: :lol:

Yup! ;D
Then we can show her this thread! :lol:
I wish I could see her face when opening it! :D
Were you clever enough to attach a camera with a rig to take a picture when she opens it? :lol: ;)
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: skypurr on September 13, 2011, 21:18:41
It look great  :yup:
Thank you for all your hard work Arnaud (and Luis for the original photo)

Elaine (http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/mgqueen.gif)
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: cowabounga on September 21, 2011, 06:13:10
Woooooooooooooooooohoooooooooooooooo!
I guess you all had Heather's thank you pm by now!
WE MADE IT!
And the canvas didn't break! That's soooo cool!
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: Wolf Knight on September 21, 2011, 06:26:19
Excellent!!! that was great!!!
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: Sylvia on September 21, 2011, 09:07:57

Fantastic! The final canvas looked amazing and it sounds like Heather really loves it. :)
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: tonguello on September 21, 2011, 10:52:50
Awesome!!!!  :thanks: Arnaud for your commitment to this enterprise and congratulations to everyone involved!
:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: Emma.J on September 21, 2011, 13:18:14
 <:> :)9 Well done to everyone involved the print looks wonderfull and I think it was a brillant gesture to show Heather how much we appreciate everything she does. I know I couldn't cope if here amazing site wasn't there!

A big thanks to all and a bigger thanks to Heather  :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: Luis on September 21, 2011, 15:56:08
it succedeed! congrats to everyone for the effort :clap:

i'm so happy Heather is happy :D
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: Gis on September 21, 2011, 17:15:36
YAYAYAYAYAYAY

Great work Arnaud, Thank You!! And a big thank you for Luis and Tim!!

And of course all who made it possible through donations.

Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: Sylvia on September 21, 2011, 18:57:17

In a moment I am going to move this topic to the Community Events board where Heather will finally be able to see it. :D

I will also send her a quick PM to explain the technical side of how the "invisible" board was achieved. ;)
Title: Re: A surprise for Heather (PlaymoDB)
Post by: bonniebeth on September 21, 2011, 18:58:13
Thank you Sylvia! I'm sure she'll be interested to see how this was accomplished!